T

THE longest-serving staff member in McDonalds in Killarney, Anthony Jones was one of a number of stars who made their debut on the small screen today.

Anthony, who has worked in the Park Road franchise for two days a week for 14 years, was one of 25 people involved in a new DVD, An Independent Life, showcasing the daily activities of a group of young adults who are supported by the Kerry Parents & Friends Association in Killarney.

Anthony really enjoyed being involved with the recording of the video. “It is something I would love everyone to see,” Anthony said.

Another participant, Stephen Brosnan said the DVD gives employers a chance to see their skills. Stephen works in both Heatons and Elverys Sports in Killarney. “I also wanted it to show how relationships and friendships are important to me and that my job and the pay helps me to be independent,” Stephen said.

A large group of family and friends attended the launch, at The Malton Hotel today, of An Independent Life, which was produced by Tadhg Hayes and funded by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd.

The 20-minute DVD gives a snapshot into the lives of the young adult participants including their involvement in the work, home and social settings. It is planned to make it widely available in the coming weeks.

Instructor with the KPFA Batt Healy said the aim was to make a DVD to highlight that people with disabilities have the same yearnings around independent living and relationships as everyone else and to showcase their capacity in both working and life situations.

“This DVD will help us send out the message that these young adults have the same rights and desires as their peers and we have received a very positive response to this message,” Batt said.

Approximately 25 of the young adults KPFA supports are actively engaged in paid employment, work experience or voluntary work and this helps them achieve greater levels of independence.

SKPD CEO Noel Spillane said the organisation was delighted to fund this project under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). “This DVD highlights the ability of the participants rather than their disability and provides them with a voice to articulate their aspirations and wishes,” Noel said.

DVD producer Tadhg Hayes said he wanted the DVD to provide the participants with a voice to show the wide range of activities they are involved in as well as some of the challenges they face. “The KFPA staff undertake excellent work and the businesses who employ these young adults also contribute very strongly but also receive positive benefits which I felt it was important to highlight,” Tadhg said.

Copies of the DVD will be available in coming weeks from KPFA or can be accessed through YouTube, see
https://youtu.be/gkX3UsnXOcw
 

 
Pictured, top, at the launch of the Kerry Parents & Friends Association's new video at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday were front from left, Mairead O'Sullivan (Education Officer South Kerry Development Partnership) Anthony Jones, Hayley Ferguson, Claire Spillane, Stephen Brosnan and Kate Kariuki. Standing from left are Batt Healy, Paudie Healy, Noel Spillane, CEO SKDP, Jim O'Mahony and Brendan O'Sullivan. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH